England must resolve Kevin Pietersen row, says Nasser Hussain

Updated: 18 September 2012 17:42 IST

Former England captain Nasser Hussain wants Kevin Pietersen and his international team-mates to resolve their differences after the controversial batsman was left out of the Test squad for the forthcoming tour of India.

Written by Agence-France Presse

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Former England captain Nasser Hussain wants Kevin Pietersen and his international team-mates to resolve their differences after the controversial batsman was left out of the Test squad for the forthcoming tour of India.

Pietersen has been in exile since sending text messages to South Africa players that contained criticism of then England captain Andrew Strauss during the recent Test series.

With reports circulating that Pietersen had also fallen out with several of his team-mates as a result of his behaviour, the South Africa-born star was axed for the final Test, the subsequent one-day series and the current World Twenty20 tournament.

England managing director Hugh Morris claimed there are still issues to be resolved with Pietersen before he can return to the fold.

But Hussain believes both Pietersen and the England team are suffering as a result of the stand-off and he wants a peace deal brokered as soon as possible.

"Any issues, get them out in the open, sort it out and move on," Hussain told Sky Sports News on Tuesday.

"Whenever he comes back, maybe the sooner the better, the team have got to tell Kevin what their problems are with him and Kevin has to say what his problems are with the team. The sooner they kiss and make up the better.

"Kevin Pietersen has got to adhere to what (captain) Alastair Cook and Flower want. We are talking about good men. What they are doing is what they think is right for English cricket and if they think it's best Kevin stays on the sideline I agree with them.

"Kevin Pietersen needs England, no doubt about that. There are signs they made up, but maybe it is a little bit too soon."

Hussain believes Pietersen's absence from the team makes India firm favourites to avenge last year's 4-0 Test series drubbing in England.

"It's a shame because any time you tour India you want the best cricketers and best players of spin," Hussain added.

"Pietersen fits both categories. India will be a lot happier with Kevin Pietersen not going out there, but most of the making of this has come from Pietersen, who has made some horrendous errors."

Meanwhile, England national selector Geoff Miller confirmed that Pietersen's talks with coach Andy Flower and the international management team hadn't been enough to win back his place.

"We are just the selectors, they let us know it (issues with Pietersen) hasn't been resolved," Miller told Sky Sports News.

"It is disappointing, he is a world class player but it is about a team game and I can't keep going on about that point.

"You want to take your best players but he wasn't available, we have to move on with other players."

Miller believes Pietersen could still have a future in the England team and he spoke to the Surrey player to make sure he was aware the situation could be salvaged.

"He might do, we will wait and see," Miller said. "He could do, it depends on when those issues are resolved.

"I told him exactly why he hasn't been selected and explained this. We had a five, 10 minute chat and that remains private.

"He is one of the best players in the world and he has shown that on many an occasion. It is not just about an individual in a changing room, it is a team ethic and unity."